SHELBURNE FALLS, Mass. (WGGB) — They’re the same length as a 747 jumbo jet, nearly 400 feet. At least that’s the size of the four industrial wind turbines proposed for Mt. Massamet in Shelburne Falls.
Two groups are opposed to the wind turbines — one in Shelburne, the other in neighboring Buckland.
The groups are encouraging people to take steps to stop the project at the town meeting in Shelburne Tuesday night. “If a project this big goes up on that mountain, it’s literally going to change the landscape of Shelburne Falls. Voters really have the right to change something like that” urged Buckland resident Lamia Holland.
This is developer Frederick Field’s second attempt to build turbines. He withdrew a plan for 8 turbines last year, after the town placed a yearlong moratorium on the project.
A petition to ban commercial wind, coal and nuclear-power development, will be voted on by town residents. “The community wants time to stop and think about it. There isn’t the chance for the community to have a moratorium” Barbara Parry of Shelburne Falls stressed.
Neighbors are very concerned about potential health effects. Opponents contend the noise the turbines produces could cause sleep deprivation. “This kind of sleep disorganization it causes hypertension, cardiovascular problems, just this whole array of stress related health problems one would expect if you’re not sleeping for weeks” expressed Shelburne resident Raymond Hartman.
Still, conserving energy is the main concern. “Anyone on the grid using power needs to take a serious look at all alternative forms, and we need to use that” neighbor Ted Cahill advised.
All of the proposed wind bylaw changes will be voted on in back to back articles at the May 1 annual town meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Memorial Hall in Shelburne Falls.
Ohhh boy……
Less gunna lower their electric bills. Fkem
get over it. There is allot I don’t like out there it’s just the way it is.
people love to fight change
how about a coal plant. would they prefer a coal plant?
Industrial wind has no place near homes!
We do not want to be the next Falmouth where people are being forced out of their home due to the turbine noise and home values have dropped to nothing.
Seeing how this country is heading towards Socialism anyways, I think the Feds should make projects like this a law. Gas isn’t going down anytime soon, why not save in other areas.
If you feel passionate enough to respond to this story, use that passion to get the facts. Your electric bills will not be going down they will in fact be going up. Billions of dollars of your money is being handed over (usually to large corporations) to fund wind. Wind will not shut down a single coal plant, nuke plant, hydro plant, etc., (and in fact most of these plants will have to work harder because wind is so unstable. ) Which is ironic since wind developers are also receiving billions in carbon tax credits. Does that make sense?
..and you’re right -the Government does want to force this issue. Washington has in fact been trying (unsuccessfully) to pass legislation to take the peoples right away from saying no to these projects. What do you think will happen if these fail at helping this country with their energy needs, fail at cutting Co2 emissions, and we have no money left to fund projects that do work?
Seeing how this country is heading towards Socialism anyways, I think the Feds should make projects like this a law. Gas isn’t going down anytime soon, why not save in other areas.
Wah wah wah. ***** ***** *****! Drop a nuclear reactor on the Deerfield river up there and tell them to stfu!
I’m amazed at how buffaloed people are in thinking this will lower your electric bill. Saw just one of these riding down the mass pike towards New York. Lemme just say Uuuuuugly Eyesore. And it won’t save much on anyone’s electric bill. for those who want them put it in their backyard.
Are these the same people apposed to nukes? We need power and wind is free.
Everybody agrees we need renewable energy sources as long as it is not in there town
Nothing is free Greg, nothing. Renewable ,yes I want that as well as others but at a reasonable cost. Look at the cost of the solar power on your roof. Roughly 30,000 grand average. But with the incentives maybe it’ll cost you a little more than 1/2 of the cost. Finance the 15 to 18 grand and pay a monthly fee for what 5 years while still paying a electric bill . Though the bill is lower now add the monthly fee for the financing of the system. Did you really save anything . NO because you will always have a electric bill there is no sun out at night. Add battery packs to the system and look out the cost of the whole system sky rockets. Reasonably priced alternative energy is what we need not some crazy *** price energy that the ordinary citizen can not afford.
“Saw just one of these riding down the mass pike towards New York. Lemme just say Uuuuuugly Eyesore.” That’s your opinion. I think it looks great.
Head to Jimny Peak. There’s about a dozen wind turbines out there. The view is still great.
They can stuff a few in my backyard so i can charge a ton to rent the land and get free electricty from it too
lets just make up stuff to sway peoples opinion on the issue . clean energy is a good thing , and yes it will eventually shut down coal and nuke plants . my electric bill has gone down , i guess i can blame it on the new solar projects they are putting in . anyone against clean renewable energy is a selfish pig and does not care about the planet !!!
It’s hard to imagine that anyone “does not care about the planet” -especially large corporations, Capitol Hill and lobbyists. Just curious as to where in the world wind farms have actually produced enough energy to shut down other power plants. If you are aware of any, please let us know.
please read an comprehend everything that is written please , key word is” eventually “. americans just want it now , but are to selfish to work towards a meens